Dummies for sucky babies

[CharlieJo]

Any advice on using a dummy for sucky babies? My 8 week son wants to feed every 2 hours, but usually just sucks the teat and takes 1/2 to 1oz. Don't really want to give him a dummy at night as he sleeps for 3-4 hour stretches without the help of a dummy. Can I just give the dummy for 30 mins here and there to stall him til the next feed?

I was hoping someone more knowledgable would be along but with my limited experience I would suggest you try moving up to a faster flow teat. When my DD was acting similairly it worked for us - she must have been hungry but once her initial hunger was sated she stopped taking milk because it was too much effort for too little reward.

We have given DD a dummy almost from birth and she mostly uses it as a baby-version of an after dinner mint i.e. she's not hungry anymore but she would like something to chew on so introducing one may work for you in this instance. However, you don't want your DS to be satisfied with a dummy when he is genuinely in need of milk IYSWIM. She does also use it sometimes as a comforter when going to sleep but spits it out once she's relaxed enough. However, IMO you can't really control how much or when a baby wants a dummy once you've introduced one and your DS may end up as one of those constant dummy-suckers. Only you can decide how much that would bother you.

On the plus side dummy-use has been suggested as useful in the prevention of cot death.

Have I confused you even more?

Hope someone more succinct and knowledgeable is along to help you too

I'm no expert, but absolutely, give the dummy a go.

I like TTTB's description of using it as an after dinner mint - babies have a need to suck, but because milk comes out of bottles quicker than boobs, the need to suck is often still there even after their appetite is sated.

Dummy use can turn into a problem if babies rely on it to sleep, but I can't see how a few mins here and there after a bottle would cause a problem, just try to avoid him falling asleep with it.

Saying that, my ds used a dummy on to go to sleep from 3 - 11 months, and it never caused a problem - in fact it was a godsend!! He gave it up on his own accord too, at the same time as giving up a bottle for a sippy cup.

Go for it!